Sporting apparatus suited for fishing and hunting

ABSTRACT

A sporting apparatus especially for fishing is supported on a tackle box, pail or other receptacle and includes a reel rotateably mounted at the free end of a supporting arm. The arm is in turn pivotally mounted upon a bracket which serves as a base and is connected to the tackle box or other article. The arm is connected to the bracket so as to be able to swomg about the pivot from a raised to a lowered position and releasably held in any of a number of selected positions by the provision of a releasable lock proximate the pivot between the arm and the bracket to support the arm in the selected position e.g. raised to a 45 degree incline, horizontal or extending downwardly as desired. Provision is also made for moving the bracket from one part of the tackle box to another or to a different support receptacle such as a plastic pail or to suspend the arm and reel from the wall of an ice fish house. A visual and radio signal transmitters are also provided for letting the fisherman there has been a strike on the line. Other forms of receptacles with sockets for supporting fishing equipment are also described.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to sporting equipment and moreparticularly to a sporting apparatus suited for fishing and hunting.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The general objective of the present invention is to provide asupporting apparatus that can serve as an improved fishing reel holderthat can be used for any kind of fishing but is particularly well suitedfor ice fishing, i.e., fishing on a frozen lake through an opening inthe ice. While fishing devices have been previously proposed for thispurpose, the fisherman often becomes uncomfortable because there is noplace to sit and the fishing equipment is of no assistance in thisregard. One object of the invention is thus to provide a fishing reelholder that can also be used as a seat for the fisherman.

[0003] Prior fishing equipment is not well suited for supporting aconventional fishing rod as well as a separate ice fishing reel.Accordingly, another object of the invention is to provide a fishingreel holder that can be used for simultaneously supporting a fishingreel of the kind used for ice fishing as well as a conventional fishingrod.

[0004] Another object is to provide a way of supporting a fishing reelholder in any of several positions, e.g., horizontally close to thesurface of the ice, on the ground at the edge of a lake, or in avertical position mounted on a wall, e.g., the inside wall of a fishhouse, at various angles.

[0005] A further object is to provide a reel holder with a warning oralarm system that can be used to signal the presence of a fish on theline but which can be removed if desired and used for other purposessuch as hunting or even as a burglar alarm to indicate that a burglarhas entered the fish house.

[0006] Yet another object is to provide a fishing reel holder that canserve as a table in a fish house for supporting various objects, e.g.,beverage cups, etc., or can be used as a surface for cleaning andfilleting fish.

[0007] Another object is to provide a fishing reel holder that serves asa tackle box.

[0008] Still another object is to provide an alarm that can be mountedin various positions for sensing and informing the fisherman of a fishon the line.

[0009] It is also an object to provide a support for an electronic alarmwith an optional light switch for indicating the presence of fish orgame.

[0010] Another object of the invention is to provide a fishing reelholder including an alarm with a motion detector that includes either amechanical switch or a proximity switch for activating the alarm.

[0011] Yet another object is to find a way of supporting a fishing reelso that it can be raised or lowered and held in selected positions aswell as being mounted in multiple locations on a tackle box, pail, fishhouse or other support.

[0012] These and other more detailed and specific objects of the presentinvention will be better understood by reference to the followingfigures and detailed description which illustrate by way of example buta few of the various forms of the invention within the scope of theappended claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] In one aspect of the invention, a fishing apparatus includes areel that is mounted for rotation at the free end of a supporting armwhich itself is pivoted to a bracket so that it can be raised or loweredto selected positions by a releasable lock incorporated into the pivot.The bracket can be moved to multiple positions on e.g. a tackle box,pail, or fish house.

[0014] In another form of this invention, a sporting receptacle, e.g., atackle box or pail for holding fishing articles has side walls, a bottomwall, an upwardly opening wide mouth and a pair of horizontally spacedapart sockets on opposing walls of the receptacle proximate its topedge. The sockets are positioned vertically and are supported by theside walls of the receptacle. A pair of L-shaped right angle bracketseach includes a vertical and a horizontal leg. The vertical leg of eachbracket is sized and arranged to slide into one of the sockets so as toextend upwardly therefrom above the receptacle for supporting varioussporting articles at an elevation that is raised above the receptacle.The brackets are reversibly supported in the sockets to enable thehorizontal leg of the bracket to be positioned so as to extend eitheroutwardly beyond the side of the receptacle or centrally above thereceptacle and are interchangeable between the tackle box and pail. Theinvention can also be sold as a kit in which removable sockets aresecured by screws or other fasteners to the wall of a receptacle such asan ordinary tackle box or plastic pail. A fishing tackle tray supportedon the bracket can be removed and used as a cover for a pail or as aseat for the fisherman.

THE FIGURES

[0015]FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the invention with seatcushion and table surface removed for clarity of illustration.

[0016]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the invention shownmounted on a pail with a seat cushion and table surface as they wouldappear just before being attached to the base shown in FIG. 1.

[0017]FIG. 3 is a perspective bottom view of the base of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0018]FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the base as it appears whenformed from plastic resin.

[0019]FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the invention during use.

[0020]FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 showing the reel and reelsupport arm in two different positions and the alarm mounted on thebase.

[0021]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the invention in use with tworeels supported on the base.

[0022]FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the invention as it appearswhen used for simultaneously supporting an ice fishing reel and aconventional fishing rod.

[0023]FIG. 9 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 8 with theconventional fishing rod in a different position.

[0024]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a simplified form of wooden base.

[0025]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the invention as it appears withthe base supported in a vertical position from the wall of a fish house.

[0026]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the invention showing the alarmof FIG. 6 in more detail.

[0027]FIG. 12A is a perspective view showing another way of supportingthe alarm of FIG. 12.

[0028]FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram of the alarm of FIGS. 6 and 12.

[0029]FIG. 14 is an elevational view of the reel connected to anotherform of alarm.

[0030]FIG. 15 is a side elevational view taken on line 15-15 of FIG. 14.

[0031]FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 15 showing a different way ofsupporting the alarm.

[0032]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the invention with the reelsecured to one end of the base.

[0033]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the invention in use forsupporting a firearm.

[0034]FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of an alarm in accordance withthe invention mounted on an ordinary fishing pole.

[0035]FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view, partly broken away, ofanother form of the invention.

[0036]FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of a tackle box and transportcart in accordance with another form of the invention.

[0037]FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the tackle box of FIG. 21, withthe tackle box elevated above the transport cart.

[0038]FIG. 23 is an exploded front perspective view of the invention ona somewhat reduced scale relative to FIGS. 21 and 22.

[0039]FIG. 24 is a front perspective view of a tackle box of FIGS. 21-23showing an optional mode of assembly.

[0040]FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the tackle box with forkedsupports mounted for holding an article.

[0041]FIG. 26 is a bottom perspective view of the tackle box cover.

[0042]FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the transport cart according tothe invention.

[0043]FIG. 28 is a view similar to FIG. 27 showing a cutting board beingplaced on top of the transport cart.

[0044]FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of the reel-supportingtripod of the invention.

[0045]FIG. 30 is an enlarged perspective view of the tripod supportingsleeve of FIG. 29.

[0046]FIG. 31 is a view similar to FIG. 30 of another tripod supportingsleeve.

[0047]FIG. 32 is a perspective view of another form of the invention.

[0048]FIG. 32A is a partial perspective view of the embodiment of FIG.32 with a different socket.

[0049]FIG. 33 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 32 but mounted on apail.

[0050]FIG. 34 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 33.

[0051]FIG. 35 is a perspective view similar to FIGS. 33 and 34 showing abracket in alternate positions.

[0052]FIG. 36 is a partial perspective view similar to FIGS. 33-35 witha different socket.

[0053]FIG. 37 is an exploded perspective view of the pail of FIGS. 33-35with fishing equipment mounted thereon, and

[0054]FIG. 38 is an exploded perspective view of the pail of FIGS. 33-35with different fishing equipment supported thereon.

[0055]FIG. 39 is a perspective view of another embodiment of theinvention showing the reel in raised and lowered positions.

[0056]FIG. 39A is a partial perspective view showing another support formounting the fishing reel bracket on a tackle box.

[0057]FIG. 40 is a partial plan view taken on line 40-40 of FIG. 39 withthe reel mounted on the left side of the arm.

[0058]FIG. 41 is a partial perspective view of the reel bracket andassociated structure on a larger scale.

[0059]FIG. 42 is a partial exploded view of the releasable locking pivotbetween the reel support arm and a mounting bracket.

[0060]FIG. 43 is a partial perspective view of an accessory holder forsupporting a fishing rod or other sporting article.

[0061]FIG. 44 is a perspective view showing the reel and support armmounted upon the wall of a fish house.

[0062]FIG. 45 is a partial perspective view showing the reel support armmounted on the outside wall of a plastic pail.

[0063]FIG. 46 is a perspective view showing the bracket for the reelsupport arm suspended over an ice hole.

[0064]FIG. 47 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 46 showing the reelsupport arm with the reel support arm and reel in position for use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0065] Refer now to the figures wherein the same numerals refer tocorresponding parts in the several views.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the invention provides a fishing reelholder which is especially well suited for ice fishing. The fishing reelholder indicated generally at 10 includes a planar supporting base 12that serves as a foundation or framework having an upper surface 14 anda lower surface 16. The base 12 is elongated and can be formed from aflat board of a sturdy wood such as oak or maple or of plastic, and ispreferably generally rectangular in shape as shown, with a pair oflongitudinally extending, laterally spaced apart grooves 18 and 20 inits upper surface 14 for storing one or more reel-supporting arms 22when not in use. The upper surface 14 of the base 12 also has atransversely extending groove 24 communicating with a horizontallyextending aligned passage 26 that serves as a receptacle for thelaterally extending attached end portion 22 a of the reel-supporting arm22. The end portion 22 a is pivotally mounted in the passage 26. A reel28 is supported for rotation on the end piece 29 at the free end 22 b ofarm 22. The arm 22 can be made of metal, e.g., tubing, or reinforcedplastic. The reel 28 holds a supply of fishing line 30 which duringoperation extends downwardly through a hole 32 in ice 34. In order tosupport the arm 22 in an alternate position, a second laterallyextending passage or receptacle 36 is provided through the top of thebase 12 at a location that is spaced apart from the receptacle 26, inthis case relatively close to the right end of the base 12 for enablingthe arm 22 to be held in a different position (as will be describedbelow) or for two reel-supporting arms 22 to be used simultaneously, onewith its attached end 22 a located in the receptacle 26 and the otherwith its attached end 22 a placed in the receptacle 36. The receptacle36 can be closed above by means of a removable metal cover 38 that isheld in place by a screw 40. Each end of the base 12 is provided with abored opening 42, 44 for enabling the base 12 to be suspended in avertical position, e.g., by connecting the base 12 to the wall of an icehouse as shown in FIG. 11 which shows a short piece of rope 46 tiedthrough the opening 42. The openings 42, 44 can also serve as sockets tosupport a yoke for other sporting equipment, e.g for hunting or trapshooting, as will be described below in connection with FIG. 18.

[0067] At the right and left ends of the base 12 are pairs of uprightsockets 50, 52 to receive vertically disposed, upwardly extending posts54, 56 between which is connected an arm holder 58 for contacting andsupporting a central portion of the reel-supporting arm 22, as bestshown in FIGS. 5 and 6. By raising or lowering the holder 58, the angleof the arm 22 and the height of the reel 28 can be changed. Moreover, ifthe fisherman places the reel-supporting arm 22 in the receptacle 36,the arm 22 will be elevated at a steep angle relative to the base 12 (inFIG. 5 an angle of about 50 degrees) but as shown in FIG. 6 with theattached portion 22 a of the arm 22 mounted in the receptacle 26, thearm 22 will be supported at a much lower angle, e.g., about 25 degreeswith respect to the base 12. This enables the fisherman to adjust theheight and angle of the arm 22 to best suit existing fishing conditions.The holder 58 can be formed from a rigid material such as metal but ispreferably an elastic material such as rubber and can be held in placeby suitable fasteners such as vertically adjustable metal rings havingset screws or rubber O-rings 59 (FIG. 1) which can be moved up or downand will then stay in place. If the holder 58 is rubber, the resilientor yieldable support of the reel-supporting arm 22 provided by theresiliency of the rubber holder 58 will enhance oscillatory action ofthe lure connected to the fishing line 30 by enabling the arm 22 andreel 28 to bounce up and down during use while the fasteners 59 remainfixed in place.

[0068] At the center of the base 12 is provided an opening 60, in thiscase a rectangular opening, for receiving a tackle box 62 suitably sizedand shaped to fit within the opening 60 and including a rim 64 of theappropriate size to fit into a peripheral groove or ledge 66 around theopening 60 to hold the tackle box 62 in place. The tackle box 62 isprovided with a cover 67 having a pair of upwardly opening,longitudinally extending, laterally spaced apart parallel grooves 68, 70which are aligned with the grooves 18, 20 to provide a storage recessfor one or more of the reel-supporting arms 22 on the top surface 14 ofthe base 12 when the arms 22 are not in use. The base 12 thus serves asa tackle box as well as a support for the reel arm 22 and reel 28. Thetackle box 62 can be provided with a carrying recessed in its topsurface which can be extended by pulling it upwardly to facilitatecarrying the tackle box.

[0069] As shown best in FIG. 3, the bottom 16 of the base 12 is providedwith a pair of longitudinally spaced apart, laterally extending circulargrooves 70 and 72 of an appropriate size to fit a standard-size plasticpail 74 which itself forms no part of the invention. A pail 74 iscommonly taken to the fish house for carrying supplies and taking backthe fish that have been caught. Whenever desired, the base 12 can bemounted on the pail 74 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In FIG. 1 theinvention is used for fishing while mounted on pail 74, but in FIG. 2the invention is used as a seat through the provision of a removableseat cushion 76 of the same size and shape as the base 12 and includingmounting straps 78 with fasteners at their ends, e.g., hook-and-loopfasteners such as Velcro® fasteners, for connecting the ends of thestraps together around the bottom of the base 12. Between the base 12and the seat cushion 76 is provided a removable table top that serves asa cutting board 80 of the same size and shape as the base 12 except forbeing much thinner. The cutting board 80 can be formed, for example,from quarter-inch plywood or quarter-inch plastic sheet, and ispreferably provided with printed dimensions along one edge as shown at82 to provide a ruler for measuring the length of the fish caught. Theseat cushion 76 and the plate 80 which serves as a table, for clarity ofillustration, are not shown in FIG. 1.

[0070] When the tackle box 62 is removed, a spindle 84 can be extendedthrough laterally spaced apart holes on either side of the opening 60 tosupport the reel 28 in an alternate position at the center of theopening 60, as shown in FIGS. 1, 5 and 7 at the center of the base 12above the fishing hole 32, with the ends of the base 12 supported on theice 34 on either side of the fishing hole 32. When the fishermanrequires a warning device, an alarm 71 is suspended in the opening 60 onthe spindle 84 (FIGS. 6, 12 and 13). The alarm 71 will be described inmore detail below.

[0071] By reference to FIG. 7, it will be seen that a reel support arm90 formed from metal with a right-angle bend 92 at its center issupported in the socket 50 for holding an additional reel 28 adjacent toone end of the base 12 while a similar reel 28 is mounted on the spindle84 in the central opening 60. Thus, the rod 90 supports the reel 28rigidly in place, and the bend 92 holds the reel 28 at the end of thearm 90 so that it rotates about a horizontal axis.

[0072] Refer now to FIG. 4 which illustrates a base 12 formed fromplastic resin. As seen in FIG. 4, the base 12 is hollowed out on thebottom. The base 12 of FIG. 4 can be formed from any suitable plasticresin, e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, vinyl plastic, polycarbonateresin, etc., and can be manufactured by standard injection moldingtechniques known to those skilled in the art. As already described, thetackle box 62 can be stored in the opening 60 molded in the center ofthe base 12.

[0073] Refer now to FIGS. 8 and 9 which illustrate a trough-shapedfishing rod holster 100 having a downwardly extending supporting post102 inserted into the opening 42 at the left end of the base 12 so as tosupport the rod holster 100 a few inches above the upper surface 14 ofthe base 12. The rod holster 100 is usually held at an oblique angle tosupport an ordinary fishing rod 104 and reel 106 with its distal endelevated so that the fishing line 106 can extend either over the top ofthe reel 28 as shown in FIG. 8 and thence through the hole 32 in the ice34 or, if desired, the fishing line can extend downwardly in a loopshown by dotted line 108 so as to pass through a sensor 110 of anysuitable known construction, such as between a pair of normally closedelectrical contacts that are wired by conductors 112 to abattery-operated electric light 114 and/or buzzer to signal the presenceof a fish when the loop 108 is pulled from between the contacts of thesensor 110.

[0074] In FIG. 9 the rod holster 100 is shown rotated about a verticalaxis aligned with the socket 42, e.g., toward the left side, to supportthe fishing rod 104 so as to extend the fishing line 106 into a hole 32off to the left of the base 12. A separate fishing line 30 is entrainedaround the reel 28, and in this case extends through a different hole inthe ice.

[0075] Refer now to FIG. 10 which illustrates a simplified, relativelylow cost base 12 wherein the same numerals refer to corresponding partsalready described. In this case the base 12 is economically constructedfrom a wooden plank about one inch thick and has no fishing tackle box.Removably mounted below the plank forming the base 12 is a table surface80 with markings printed along one edge to provide a ruler 82 as alreadydescribed. The table surface 80 can be removably attached to the bottomof the base 12 or can be loose, if desired.

[0076] In FIG. 11 the invention is shown in a vertical position securedto an interior wall 120 of a fish house 122 that includes a floor 124with a rectangular opening 126 above the hole 32 in the ice. The base 12is held in a vertical position with the rope 46 or other fastener asalready described so as to position the reel 28 above the floor opening126. The holder 58 again positions the reel-supporting arm 22 at thecorrect angle to properly place the line 30 in the desired location toextend through the opening 126. While a wooden base has been shown inFIGS. 10 and 11, it should be understood that the base 12 can, ifdesired, be formed from plastic resin as already mentioned in connectionwith FIG. 4, in which case the base 12 will be hollow as seen from belowas shown in FIG. 4. The plate 80 (FIG. 2) can be placed below the base12 to cover the hollow bottom of the base 12.

[0077] Refer now to FIGS. 12 and 13 which show the alarm 71 of FIG. 6mounted on the spindle 84 and located in the opening 60. At the upperend of the alarm 71 is an electric light 132 which is wired by means ofconductors 134, 136 to a radio transmitter 138 having an ON/OFF switch140 in series with a battery 142 and a pair of normally closed contacts144, 146 that form a sensor for the fishing line 30 positioned betweenthem in the same manner as shown in FIG. 8. The transmitter 138 can alsoinclude a buzzer for providing an audible signal. Connected to the lowerend of the alarm 71 is a bracket 133 having an axle 135 at its lowerend, upon which the reel 28 is supported for rotation. The reel 28 isprovided with a pair of cam members 28 a which, as the reel rotates, areadapted to contact a switch 148 connected via wires 150, 152 in serieswith the battery 142 and transmitter 138 so that whenever the reel 28rotates, the cam members 28 a will repeatedly close the switch 148 so asto energize the transmitter 138 to provide a radio alarm for the userwho has a receiver 139 tuned to the same frequency. The electric light132 is also turned on by current supplied by the battery 142. Ifdesired, contacts 144, 146 can be used as an alternative to switch 148or both can be used together. If desired, the switch 148 can be aproximity switch of any suitable known constructions, and the cammembers 28 a in that case can be magnets or simply metal members whichare able to actuate the proximity switch 148 when they come in closeproximity to it in a manner known to those skilled in the art, therebyrepeatedly actuating the transmitter 138 and light 132 to signal thefisherman that a fish has struck a lure at the end of fishing line 30.

[0078] Refer now to FIG. 12A. In FIG. 12A the alarm 141 is generallysimilar to the alarm 71 of FIG. 12 except that it is supported upon anintegral folding tripod 143 with three pivots 143 a supporting foldinglegs 145 which, during use, are placed on the surface of the iceadjacent the hole in the ice through which the body of the alarm 141extends for supporting the reel 28 in the water below the ice hole 32.In this case, the alarm 141 has a vertical, hollow, cylindrical casing139 containing an upright pushrod 137 that is mounted for verticalsliding movement within the casing 139. The pushrod 137 has a lower end137 a which extends from the bottom of the casing 139 in the path of theswitch-operating cams 28 a that, during operation, push the rod 137upwardly when the reel 28 rotates, thereby operating the remoteelectrical switch 148 which is located above the surface of the water soas to energize the radio transmitter 138, the light 132 and, in thiscase, an audible alarm such as a buzzer 138 a. The alarm 141 is turnedon and off by a manual switch 132 a. If desired, in the alternative, thelower end 137 a of the pushrod 137 can be magnetic and, in that case,the cam members 28 a are also made of a magnetic material so that duringoperation the proximity of magnetic cam members 28 a will function toshift the pushrod 137 axially, thereby operating the switch 141. FIG.12A shows the electric light 132 at the top of the alarm, the manualON/OFF switch 132 a, the radio transmitter 138, the pressure-actuatedswitch 148 which is operated by contact with the pushrod 137, and thebuzzer and battery which are designated by the numeral 138 a. Theembodiment of FIG. 12A has the advantage of not needing an expensivewater-immersible electrical switch as required in the embodiment of FIG.12. It is also versatile in permitting the cam members 28 a on the reel28 to move the pushrod 137 either mechanically or by moving intoproximity with its lower end 137 a so as to magnetically shift the rod137 axially for actuating switch 148.

[0079] As a supplemental or alternative form of alarm, the reel 28 canbe provided with a rattle to provide a noise when the reel 28 rotates.The rattle can consist of one or more small compartments in the reel 28containing one or two BB's which move to produce a rattling sound whenthe reel rotates. This will alert the fisherman if he is within earshotof the reel when the fish strikes.

[0080]FIGS. 14-16 show an alarm 71 a that is similar to the alarm 71already described wherein the same numerals refer to corresponding partsalready described. The alarm 71 a comprises a housing 160 containing aradio transmitter 138 (FIG. 15) wired in the same manner described inconnection with FIG. 13 and is supported as shown in FIG. 14 by beingconnected to a base 120, e.g., a sheet of plywood or the wall of a fishhouse, by means of two screws 162, 164 with one side wall 166 in avertical position. Connected to the side wall 166 is a reel bracket 168on which is supported a spindle 170 for the reel 28. Each of the cammembers 28 a rotates in a circle so as to actuate a switch contact 172of a switch 148 which is wired to the transmitter 138, as alreadydescribed, and to an electric light 132. As shown in FIG. 15, the freeend of each cam member 28 a can be provided with a pocket 28 b. Thefisherman can place a finger in one of the pockets 28 b to facilitatereeling in the fishing line 30. The switch 148 can be a mechanicalswitch with a moving contact or, if desired, a proximity switch in whichcase the cams 28 a can be permanent magnets or simply made of metal. Theswitch 148 can be any suitable commercially available proximity switchof known construction capable of sensing the presence of the switchactuating cams 28 a. As soon as a fish pulls on the line 30, the switch148 will be actuated repeatedly as the cams 28 a turn on the switch 148,thereby repeatedly actuating the transmitter 138 so as to send a radiosignal to the receiver 139 which is carried by the fisherman. Thetransmitter 138 can be turned off and on with a toggle switch 174.

[0081]FIG. 15 also shows another kind of base or supporting framework.In this case the alarm 71 a is connected by two screws 182, 184 to abase consisting of vertically disposed stake 180 which the fisherman hasplaced on the ice 34 next to one of the holes 32. Supporting the alarm71 a on the stake 180 is preferred when fishing without an ice house.The lower end of the stake 180 is provided with a sharp, downwardlyextending metal point which as shown is buried in the ice to support thestake 180.

[0082] Refer now to FIG. 16 which illustrates another method of mountingthe alarm 71 a. In this case the alarm 71 a is secured to a basecomprising a normally closed, spring-operated clamp 190 which includes apair of clamp arms 192, 194 that are pivotally connected together bymeans of a pivot 196 and a pair of opposed jaws 198, 200. The jaws 198,200 are normally pressed together by a spring (the ends of which areshown at 202) coiled around the pivot 196 so that the jaws 198, 200 willgrasp a solid object such as a stick or sheet of plywood 204 which isplaced close to the hole in the ice. As already described, the switch148 can either be a mechanical switch with a moving a contact 172 thatis depressed repeatedly by contact with the cam members 28 a or, ifdesired, can comprise a proximity switch which is repeatedly actuated bythe close proximity of the cam members 28 a as they pass the switch 148.If desired, the reel 28 can include a compartment 206 (FIG. 16)containing one or more ball bearings 208 which serve as a rattle whenthe reel 28 rotates to provide a further alarm signal to indicate astrike.

[0083] Refer now to FIG. 17 which illustrates the versatility of theinvention by showing another way in which the invention can be set upfor operation. In this case the base 12 is generally the same as alreadydescribed in connection with FIG. 10 except that the slots 18, 20, 24and 36 have been dispensed with. The reel 28 in this case is supportedfor rotation upon a horizontal spindle 58 a which is connected at itsends between the upright supporting posts 54 and 56 (mounted as alreadydescribed in sockets adjacent one end of the base 12) so as to extendupwardly from the planar upper surface of the base 12 with one end ofthe reel 28 overhanging the right end of the base 12 so that the fishingline 30 extends downwardly through the ice hole 32 into the water belowthe reel 28. FIG. 17 also shows how the alarm 71 a is placed just belowthe reel 28 and is preferably attached to the base 12, e.g. by means ofscrews (not shown), with the switch 172 facing upwardly in the path ofthe cam members 28 a as the reel 28 rotates so that the alarm 71 a(already described) is actuated by the rotation of the reel 28.Consequently, when a fish strikes the lure at the end of the line 30,the rotation of the reel 28 will energize the alarm 71 a, therebysignaling the fisherman by means of the light 132, radio transmitter 138or audible alarm such as a buzzer connected in series with the light132.

[0084]FIG. 18 shows the further versatility of the invention byillustrating how the invention can be employed in other sportingactivities, such as hunting. In this case a vertical tubular post 220 issupported in each of the sockets 42, 44 in an upright position with aY-shaped gun support 224 slidably mounted therein and secured inposition by means of a set screw 225 which is threaded through the wallof the post 220, enabling the gun support 224 to be raised and loweredor rotated about a vertical axis to any desired position for supportingan article such as a rifle or other firearm 218. Each gun support 224 isprovided with diverging inclined arms 226, 228 which form a recesstherebetween at 230 for supporting the article 218. While the arms 226,228 have been shown for simplicity to be of tubular configuration, ifdesired, each of the arms 226, 228 can have a flat upper surface toprovide a trough-like support for the firearm 218. If desired, a sandbagcan be placed in the Y-shaped support 224 to steady the firearm 218.FIG. 18 illustrates how the versatility of the invention can add to itssales appeal by pointing out to the sportsman that the invention can beemployed in other sports such as hunting as well as for fishing.

[0085] Refer to FIG. 19 which illustrates how the invention can beemployed with an ordinary fishing pole or rod 104 which is provided withelectrical switches for actuating any of the alarms, such as the alarm71, 71 a (FIGS. 12A, 13 and 14-17). In this case the conventionalfishing rod 104 has a reel 106 of standard construction with a line 259that extends toward the left in the figure through the eyes to the leftend of the rod 104. Securely fastened to the rod intermediate its endsis an electrical switch 250. The electrical switch 250 can be a small,easily operated switch such as a micro-switch having a switch arm 252that extends to the left with its end in contact with the lower surfaceof the rod 104. The downward bending of the rod (as shown by dottedlines 254) resulting from a fish on the line causes the switch arm 252to be forced downwardly, thereby closing the switch 250 to allow currentto pass through the conductors 256, which are connected to theconductors 150, 152 in place of the switch 148 of FIG. 13, energizingthe alarm 71. Alternatively, the switch 250 is provided with a pair ofresilient, normally closed, electrical contact arms 255, 257 positionedabove the rod 104 and connected permanently to the conductors 256. Touse the contact arms 255, 257, the line 259 is placed between thecontact arms to hold them apart. However, tension produced by a fish onthe line 259 will remove the line 259 from between the contact arms 255,257, thereby closing the circuit through the conductors 256 so as toenergize the alarm 71 or 71 a. An alternative switch 260 is securelyfastened to the handle of the fishing rod 104 adjacent the reel 106. Inthis case the switch 260 has a switch contact 262 that is actuated inany suitable manner by the rotation of the reel 106, e.g. by having acam or proximity member similar to 28 a on the reel 106 so as to closethe switch 260 when the reel rotates, thereby completing an electricalcircuit through conductors 264 which are connected to the conductors150, 152 in place of the switch 148 of FIG. 13, thereby energizing thealarm 71 or 71 a. FIG. 19 illustrates in this way how the alarm 71, 71 aof the invention can also be used with a standard fishing rod and reelto further increase its sales appeal and utility in different fishingapplications.

[0086] The invention has many advantages over the prior art. It isinexpensive, reliable, rugged in construction, and can be used tosupport the reel 28 in any of several positions relative to the base 12as shown in FIGS. 5-7. The arm 22 supporting the reel 28 can be placedat a steep angle as shown in FIG. 5 so that, with the arm holder 58formed from rubber or other resilient material, the reel 28 will bounceup and down on its support at 58 more easily than when mounted as shownin FIG. 6 so as to provide the greatest possible swimming action for thelure. Alternatively, the arm 22 can be placed at a low angle or in ahorizontal position as shown by dotted lines in FIG. 6 within one of theslots 18 or 20 so that the reel 28 can be held rigidly in place as maybe required under some fishing conditions.

[0087] The invention also provides an effective alarm to indicate thatthere has been a strike on the line. The reel 28 can be mounted eitheron the alarm 71 or 71 a, at the end of the arm 22, within the opening60, or on a separate support arm 90 to best meet the fisherman's needsunder different fishing conditions that are encountered. In addition,the invention provides a table surface 80 for the convenience of thefisherman, a scale 82 for measuring the length of the fish caught, and acushion 76 to serve as a seat for the fisherman when the base 12 ismounted on top of a standard plastic pail 74. The openings 42, 44provide means for securing the base 12 in different positions. The basecan be placed on the floor of a fish house 122, hung vertically on thewall 120 of the fish house 122 as shown in FIG. 11, placed on the ice34, the ground next to a lake or ocean, or on the pail 74 when needed asa seat. The openings 42, 44 also serve as sockets for mounting a holster100 for a conventional fishing rod 104 (FIGS. 8 and 9) or for holdingyokes for supporting a firearm used in hunting or trap shooting. Thus,the invention can be used simultaneously as a reel holder for an icefishing reel 28 and for holding a conventional fishing rod 104. Eitherof the alarms 71 or 71 a can be removed when not used for fishing andused for other purposes such as hunting or even as a burglar alarm byplacing the fishing line 30 across the inside of the door of the fishhouse 122 to indicate that the door of the fish house has been opened.When used for deer hunting, the fishing line 30 can be strung across adeer trail so that a tug on the line 30 will indicate the presence of adeer either by actuating the transmitter 138 or the light or both. Theinvention also provides a convenient tackle box for lures and otherfishing paraphernalia.

[0088] Refer now to FIG. 20 wherein the same numerals refer tocorresponding parts already described. Shown in the figure is a tacklebox 300 in which the planar base used for supporting a fishing reel inthis case comprises a cover 302 for the tackle box 300. The tackle box300 also includes a lower body portion 303. The tackle box cover 302which serves as a planar base for supporting one or more of the reels 28includes the grooves 18, 20, 24, 36, sockets 42, 44 and other componentsalready described. In addition on the top 306 of the tackle box cover302 is mounted a handle 304 which is pivotally connected at its lowerend to the top 306 of the tackle box cover 302 to enable the tackle box300 to be easily carried. As shown at the right in FIG. 20, the cover302 is hollow and comprises the top wall 306 with four integral sidewalls that extend downwardly from the side edges of the top wall. Thecover 302 has been broken away at the right so that the side and topwalls as well as the hollow structure of the cover 302 can be clearlyseen.

[0089] Inside the tackle box 300 is a multi-compartmented tray 308having a plurality of compartments 310 for holding fishing tackle. Thetray 308 is sized and constructed to hold at least one reel supportingarm 22 and at least one reel 28. The lower body portion 303 of thetackle box is provided with an internal upwardly facing ledge 314 forsupporting the tray 308 which is recessed in the lower body portion 303of the tackle box 300 when the tackle box is assembled. The cuttingboard 80 which can be provided with a printed scale 82 for measuring thesize of a fish, is mounted within the tackle box 300 above the tray 308and below the cover 302. The cutting board 80 is preferably recessedinto the tray 308 to hold larger items of fishing tackle in the propercompartments. The cover 302 and the lower body portion 303 of the tacklebox 300 are connected by means of a pair of hinges 318, 320 which areshown separated in FIG. 20 so that all of the components can be clearlyseen. During use, the tackle box 300 is carried to the fishing locationby means of handle 304. The reels 28 and support arms 22 are thenremoved from the tray 308 and mounted for use as shown, for example, inFIGS. 1, 5, 6 or 17. The planar base comprising a cover 302 can be usedeither while mounted on the tackle box 300 as shown or, if desired, thehinges 318, 320 can be separable hinges of any suitable knownconstruction enabling the cover 302 to be removed from the tackle box300 and used separately.

[0090] Refer now to FIGS. 21-31 and especially FIGS. 21-24 whichillustrate additional features of the invention wherein the samenumerals refer to corresponding parts already described. In thisembodiment, the lower body portion 303 of the tackle box 300 issupported in a transport cart 400 having a bottom wall 402, four uprightside walls 404-407, a pair of wheels 408 mounted for rotation at oneend, and an extendible wire handle 410 at the other end which can bewithdrawn in the direction shown by the arrow in FIG. 23 so that itprojects about 18 inches to two feet from the nearest side wall 407,allowing the user to easily pull the tackle box 300 behind him with thewheels 408 on the ground supporting the weight of the tackle box. Thehandle 410 is normally recessed within a pair of laterally spaced apart,parallel, horizontally extending channels 412 and 414 on the bottom ofthe cart 400. The cart 400 is also provided with mounting means such asa pair of laterally extending, circular, downwardly opening grooves 411,413 to enable the cart to be mounted on top of a standard plastic pail(FIG. 1) which is itself not part of the invention.

[0091] To hold the cover 302 in place, the tackle box 300 is providedwith a pair of toggle-style clasps 416, 418 of suitable knownconstruction having wire clasp members 419 and 420 which engageprojections 422, 424 on a corresponding lower edge of the cover 302. Thehinges 318, 320 described above in connection with FIG. 20 are in thiscase provided with manually removable hinge pins 318 a and 320 a thatallow the cover 302 to be entirely removed and inverted as shown in FIG.26 so that it, itself, can be used as a support for various articles,e.g., the holster 100 described above or other articles, and can beprovided with internal partitions 430 which form a number of chambersfor storing fishing tackle and other articles. The cover 302 can also beprovided with ruler markings 302′ along its upper edges for measuringfish (FIG. 23). Optionally, if desired, the hinges 318, 320 can bereplaced with toggle-action clasps similar to 416 and 418 or with otherfasteners. In an optional embodiment, the wheels 408 are mounted forrotation directly on the lower body portion 303 of the box 300. Thus,for example, in this embodiment the cart 400 of FIG. 21 can be integralwith and comprise the bottom of the box 300 so that the wheels 408consequently are mounted for rotation directly on the box 300.

[0092] The inside of the cover 302 also has sockets 302 a and 302 b forsupporting articles such as a fishing rod holster 100. The top of thecover 302 is provided with transverse passages similar to the passages26 (FIGS. 1 and 2) to receive the lower end portion 22 a of reel supportarm 222. The ends of the cover 302 can be provided with optional hingedbails 332 and 334 to facilitate carrying the cover 302.

[0093] The bottom body portion 303 of the tackle box 300 is providedwith identical hinged bails 436 (only one of which is shown in thefigures) at each end to which are attached a leather carrying strap 438having metal fasteners 438 a and 438 b at its ends that connect thestrap 438 to the bails 436. If desired, the tackle box 300 can also beprovided with integral lip-style carrying handles at each end or on thesides. Alternatively, the tackle box 300 can be conveniently carried bymeans of the pivoted handle 304 on top of the cover 302. The tackle box300 is also provided with connecting means, such as longitudinallyspaced apart, laterally extending, downwardly opening circular grooves417, 419 similar to those described above to enable the tackle box 300to rest securely on top of a supporting article such as a pail (notshown).

[0094] Inside the tackle box 300, on the ledge 314, rests the tray 308described above which serves as a tackle receptacle and can be providedwith one or more partitions such as a removable partition 440 as well astwo downwardly opening circular support grooves 442, 444 allowing it tobe mounted on a plastic pail or other article.

[0095] The cutting board 80 already described includes a measuring scale82 along one edge, as well as downwardly facing support mounting meanssuch as grooves 446, 448. A cushion 450 comprises a rectangular sectionof resilient sheet material such as foam rubber or foam plastic whichrests upon the cutting board 80 beneath the cover 302 when the tacklebox 300 is assembled to prevent the tackle from rattling and to cushionthe contents of the box.

[0096] Above the cover 302 is provided a seat assembly 451 formed fromthree components which can, if desired, be bonded together, e.g. bymeans of an adhesive. The seat assembly 451 includes a rectangularsupport plate 453, a cushion 456 formed, for example, from a sheet offoam rubber or plastic, and a flexible upholstery overlay 458. Thecushion 456 comprises a rectangular sheet of the same shape as thesupporting plate 453, while the overlay 458, which can be formed from asheet of flexible vinyl upholstery or leather, has four side wallportions 458 a (only two of which are shown) that extend downwardly whenthe unit is assembled so as to enclose the side walls of the cover 302.The plate 453 can also be used as a fish cleaning board or tablecounter.

[0097] Refer now to FIG. 24 which shows how the seat assembly 451 can beplaced, if desired, directly on top of the bottom portion 303 of thetackle box 300 instead of on the cover 302 with the support plate 453recessed into the upper portion of the tackle box and supported alongits edges by means of a shoulder 314. Alternatively, the entire seatassembly 451 can be placed on top of a pail (FIG. 1) such as thatalready described by placing the mounting means, in this case thedownwardly facing opening grooves 452, 454 on the upper edge of the pailor other supporting article for elevating the seat assembly 451. Thus,the seat assembly 451 can be used in any of several ways. It can beplaced on top of the entire tackle box 300 as shown in FIGS. 21 and 23or, alternatively, on top of just the lower portion 303 of the tacklebox 300 (FIG. 24) or, if desired, on top of a pail or other supportingarticle, or directly on the surface of the ice or the floor of a fishhouse (not shown).

[0098] The tray 308 (FIGS. 23 and 25) is provided with one or morepartitions such as the central removable partitions 440 to divide itinto two or more compartments 310. At each end of the tray 308 areprovided upwardly extending integral mounting bases 460, 462 that havevertical sockets 464, 466 (FIG. 23) in which the lower ends of forkedsupports 224 are mounted (see also FIG. 18). The forked supports 224provide two horizontally spaced apart, open topped, support means at thesame elevation for holding any kind of sporting article such as afishing rod as shown in FIG. 25 or even a hunting rifle or spottingscope. Thus, while the forked support 224 has been shown supporting afishing rod and reel, it can also be used to support other articles suchas a shotgun or hunting rifle, and the position of each can be adjustedvertically by means of set screws 225 and 226. Each of the mountingbases 460, 462 is also provided with two horizontally disposed,longitudinally spaced apart, laterally extending cylindrical holes whichserve as receptacles for receiving the lower end portion 22 a of thereel supporting rod 22 at the upper end of which the reel 28 isrotatably mounted (FIG. 23). Thus, when the tackle box 300 is open, thereel 28 and rod 22 can be supported on the tray 308 in any of fourlocations. The rod holder 22 can be secured to either mounting base 460or 462 close to its outer edge or near its inner edge by selecting theinner or outer receptacle.

[0099]FIG. 26 shows that the inside of the cover 302 has verticalsockets 302 c and 302 d for mounting either holster 100 or the ofsupports 224 shown in FIG. 25.

[0100]FIG. 27 shows how a transversely extending upright partition canbe removably supported in the transport cart 400 once the tackle box 300is removed. The cart 400 can then be used for storage purposes, ifdesired. FIG. 28 shows how the support plate 453 of the seat assembly451 can be placed on top of the cart 400 so that the cart 400 can beused as a supporting base for the seat 451.

[0101] The reel 28 can be supported in other ways as shown in FIGS.29-31. The cylindrical casing or tube 139 has already been described forsupporting the reel 28 beneath the tripod 143 (FIG. 12A). In FIGS.29-31, however, the cylindrical casing or tube 139 is longer and cantypically be about 18 inches to three feet long so that it extendsupwardly a considerable distance above the supporting tripod 143 whichis placed over the ice hole during use. The tripod 143 in this casecomprises three collapsible legs 145 which are pivotally secured to asleeve 500 by means of the pivots 143 a described above. The sleeve 500has a central vertical bore 502, which can slide easily on the tube 139,and has upwardly and downwardly projecting threaded extensions 504 and506. During use, the sleeve 500 is slid up or down on the tube 139 untilthe proper position is reached and then is clamped in place by means ofupper and lower threaded collars 508 and 510, respectively, which arescrew-threaded onto the extensions 504 and 506 so as to force C-shapedflexible retaining wedges 507 and 509, which can be formed from plasticmaterial, tightly against the tube 139 to lock the sleeve 500 in place.The top and bottom of the threaded extensions 405, 406 are provided withconical upper and lower edges to apply pressure on the retaining wedges507 and 509 as the collars 508 and 510 are tightened. Other means forlocking the sleeve 500 on the tube 139 will be apparent to those skilledin the art. The reel 28 of FIG. 29 is connected to the alarm 141 asdescribed above, either by means of an electrical conductor (not shown)or by other actuator means such as the push rod 137 (FIG. 12A) or bymeans of the switch 148 of FIG. 12 which consists of either a mechanicalswitch or a proximity switch that is repeatedly actuated by theproximity of magnetic cam members 28 a as they pass the switch 148.

[0102] In FIG. 31 is shown a slightly modified form of the invention inwhich the sleeve 500 is replaced by a sleeve 520 with a central bore 522that is slidably mounted during use over the tube 139. The sleeve 520 isprovided with three longitudinally extending, vertically disposed,circumferentially spaced apart and parallel ribs 524 (only two of whichare shown). The legs 145 of the tripod 143 in this case comprisechannels which are each pivoted at 143 a to one of the ribs 524 so thatthe tripod 143 can be collapsed. To act as a shield to cover the sharpupper edges of the legs 145 is a large flange or washer 526.

[0103] Supported on the tube 139 just above the washer 526 is acompartmented tray or pan 540 with a hole 543 at its center for the tube139 and a plurality of radially arranged, upwardly opening compartments542 for holding fishing tackle or other articles. The pan 540 can besecured in place by means of a collar 408 and circular retaining wedge407 by tightening the collar onto the threaded extension 523. Thesignaling device 141 is mounted on the upper portion of the tube 139 andoperates as described above. At the top of the tube 139 is secured abracket 550 to which is attached by means of screws 552 anon-compartmented tray or pan 554 having a flat supporting surface 555for holding articles such as fishing tackle with a circular, upwardlyextending rim 556 around its edge. If desired, the holster 100, whichhas a downwardly extending mounting post 100 a, can be supported in thecenter of the pan 554 by inserting the mounting post 100 a through hole557 and into a socket 558 in the bracket 550. The holster 100 can alsobe mounted on either the inside or outside of the cover 302 or on thetray 308. The tube 139 can also be used for supporting other articlessuch as a spotting scope. If desired, the tube 139 can be made of twotelescoping sections with longitudinally spaced apart ruler marks on aninner section of the tube to indicate the elevation of the bracket 550.The tackle box 300, tray 308, cutting board 80, and transport cart 400are preferably formed from injection molded plastic but can be made byother plastic molding techniques or can, in the alternative, be formedfrom metal if desired.

[0104] Thus, the tackle box 300 can be easily moved about on the cart400 while supported by the wheels 408 and pulled by the handle 410. Inaddition, the tackle box 300 can serve as a cushioned seat through theprovision of the seat assembly 451 which can be mounted either on thetackle box 300, the cart 400, directly on the floor, on the ice or on apail or other elevated support, if desired. The tray 308 which holdsarticles such as tackle can also be used as a mount for the forkedsupports 224 as well as the reel 28 and its supporting rod 22. Ifdesired, the pan 554 can be provided with one or more handles 557. Thepans 540 and 554 can be used to hold various articles in the fish house,e.g., tackle, drinks, food, portable electronic equipment, etc. whilethe reel 28 is suspended at or below the surface of the water within theice hole. Either the tray 308 or the bracket 550 can also be used tosupport rod holding holsters 100. The invention therefore provides ahighly versatile tackle box which also serves as a seat and reel supportas well as providing a reel-supporting tripod with pans for holdingvarious articles so they are easily accessible in the fish house or, ifdesired, on the open ice if no fish house is used.

[0105] The present invention has multiple uses and can be applieduniversally in a variety of different fields, including fishing,hunting, shop or household use and the like. Various components of theinvention can be completely separated from one another, i.e. theassembled unit can be broken down into parts and can be reassembled inother ways as shown in various figures. Because the invention allows forseparate components to be removed and repositioned if desired, asportsman using the invention is able to select those components andtheir placement best suited to the conditions of use or the applicationencountered whether it be fishing, hunting, shop use, household use,etc. The invention thus allows the separate removal or takedown ofvarious components and the selection and reassembly of the components asdesired to fit the circumstances of use. Moreover, the invention hastrays or pans which serve as shelving for tackle and includes a trayhaving a cutting board above it that serves as a removable cover to holdtackle in the proper compartments.

[0106] The invention can be used for other things besides fishingtackle, such as holding household goods, drinks and food as a cocktailtable, or as a fish cleaning surface or for holding a variety of otherhousehold items including tools and sewing items. The invention alsoprovides the advantage of furnishing a fishing reel for underwater orabove water use with mechanical or electronic proximity switching thatpermits the reel to be monitored by means of the alarm. The trays andpans can be held in a fixed position but are also removable so as toprovide a collapsible tray or pan of a suitable size that serves as atabletop. The alarm can comprise a radio transmitter which, togetherwith a conventional receiver (not shown), allows easy monitoring of thereels. The invention also provides mounts for the holsters or otherfishing holders, rests for fishing poles or hunting rifles, spottingscopes and the like. If desired, an optional carrying case or insulatedcover (not shown) can be used to protect the ice hole from freezing.

[0107] Refer now to FIGS. 32-38 which illustrate additional features ofthe invention that provide support for various sporting articles duringuse but which enable them to be disassembled or knocked down for storagein a compact bundle when not in use.

[0108] Refer now particularly to FIGS. 32 and 32A wherein the samenumerals refer to corresponding parts already described. The tackle box303 serves as a rigid receptacle for use in fishing, namely for holdingarticles such as fishing tackle, and includes spaced apart generallyvertically disposed end walls 600, 602, side walls 604, 608, and anupper open wide mouth 606. The box 303 has a removable top 302 that ishinged to the lower part of the tackle box 303 as already described andcan be held in a closed position by means of latches 416, 418 which areconnected to projections 422 and 424, respectively, on the cover 302when the top of the tackle box is closed. Mounted on the inside walls600, 602 in the lower portion of the tackle box 303 are a pair ofhorizontally spaced apart and opposed substantially identical sockets610 and 612. Each of the sockets 610, 612 has a vertically disposedopening or slot with a rectangular cross-section adapted to receive thevertical arm of an L-shaped bracket 616. Each of the sockets 610, 612 isprovided with a vertically disposed, centrally located slot 624. Aclamping screw 626 extends through the slot 624 and is screw-threadedinto a threaded hole 625 (FIG. 32A) in each bracket 616 for allowing theheight of each of the brackets 616 to be adjusted by first raising orlowering the bracket and then locking it in position by tightening thescrew 626. The height adjustment made possible by the set screws 626 isparticularly advantageous for supporting a shotgun or sighting scope. Asclearly shown, each of the brackets 616 includes a vertical and ahorizontally disposed arm portion which intersect at a right angle. Eachof the brackets 616 can be formed from an L-shaped bar having a 90° bendat its center. The brackets 616 and the sockets 610, 612 all have thesame polygonal cross-sectional shape, in this case a rectangularcross-section. Removably mounted on the top of each of the brackets 616is a forked article support 618 having a pair of spaced apart arms oneither side of a central opening 620. The tackle box 303 and thesupports 618 are preferably formed from plastic resin and the brackets616 are preferably formed from steel or aluminum bar stock. The articlesupports 618 are secured to the brackets 616 by means of removablefasteners such as set screws 622 that have enlarged heads forfacilitating manual removal (FIGS. 33 and 34). During use, the brackets616 are usually positioned as shown in FIG. 32 with the horizontalportion of each of the brackets 616 extending outwardly beyond the walls600, 602 of the tackle box 303. For most purposes, the screws 626 areloosened so that the brackets 616 can be moved to the same elevation andthen tightened to lock them in place to hold any kind of sportingequipment such as a fishing rod, a hunting rifle or even a spottingscope 623. Thus, while the forked article support 618 is shown in FIG.32 supporting a fishing rod, it can also be used for supporting otheritems of sporting equipment with the position of the supports 618adjusted vertically by means of the set screws 626 as required for theparticular item to be placed on the supports 618.

[0109] Refer now to FIG. 32A. While the sockets 610, 612 of the tacklebox 303 of FIG. 32 are shown on the inside of the end walls of thetackle box, a similar socket 617 can, if desired, be located on theoutside surface of the end walls of the receptacle as shown in FIG. 32A.If the receptacle is formed from plastic, the sockets 610, 612 and 617can be molded integrally with the plastic forming the wall of thereceptacle. Each of the brackets 616 is sized, constructed and arrangedto slide smoothly into either of the socket openings 619. In FIG. 32A agrab handle 436 is connected to the socket 617. The unit of FIG. 32A hasthe advantage of enabling the tray 308 (FIGS. 20 and 23) to fit moreeasily into the top of the tackle box 303. If desired, the tackle box303 can be compartmentalized by providing a separator 615 havingvertically disposed longitudinally and laterally extending partitions inthe bottom of the tackle box 303. The separator 615 can be maderemovable by molding vertically disposed grooves at 613 in the walls ofthe tackle box 303 for receiving the ends of the partitions making upthe separator 615.

[0110] Refer now to FIGS. 33 and 34 which illustrates how the embodimentof FIGS. 32 and 32A is mounted on another form of receptacle, namely aplastic pail 74 suited for use in fishing, e.g. for holding fishingarticles such as bait, tackle, fish that have been caught, etc. Theplastic pail 74 has a bottom wall 71, a generally vertically disposedcylindrical side wall 73 and an upper open wide mouth 75. Moldedintegrally on opposite walls of the plastic pail 74 are a pair ofhorizontally spaced apart, vertically disposed identical sockets 628,each having an upright or generally vertically disposed socket opening630 (only one of which is shown clearly in FIG. 33) for receiving one ofthe brackets 616. Each of the sockets 628 has a vertically disposed slotthrough which extends a set screw that is screw-threaded into the lowerend of each of the brackets 616. It should be noted that the socketopenings 630 are the same size as the ones in the tackle box 303 so thatthe same brackets 616 can be used interchangeably on either the tacklebox 303 or the plastic pail 74. Since the same brackets 616 can be usedwith either the tackle box 303 or the pail 74, the invention hasmultipurpose versatility.

[0111] Extending across the top of each of the article supports 618 overthe opening 620 is a retaining strap 621 for securing articles such as afishing rod or scope 623 in place during use. One end of the strap 621can be permanently connected to one arm and the other releasably securedin any suitable way as, for example, by means of a hook-and-loopfastener such as Velcro® 621 a (FIG. 34) applied to the top of one ofthe arms. When the brackets and supports are not in use, they can beremoved and stored, either in the tackle box 303 or the plastic pail 74.

[0112] Refer now to FIGS. 35 and 36. FIG. 35 shows how the bracket 616is reversibly supported in the socket 628 so that its free end can bepositioned to extend either centrally over the plastic pail 74 as shownin solid lines or, if desired, it can be positioned to extend outwardlybeyond the side of the plastic pail as shown in dotted lines at 616 a.After the position of the bracket 616 has been changed in this way byturning it 180°, the locking screw 634 is tightened to securely retainthe bracket 616 in the desired position. As a result, the brackets 616can be used to mount articles close to the center of either of thereceptacles 303 or 74 or can be spaced further apart as shown in FIGS.32 and 33 when supporting a larger article between the supports 618.

[0113] In a modified form of the invention, a socket 640 which issimilar to the socket 628 is provided on the inside surface of the wallof a receptacle 74 adjacent its upper edge instead of on its outsidesurface. This construction has the advantage of leaving the outside wallof the receptacle 74 unobstructed, but because it could in some casesinterfere with proper stacking of the receptacles 74, it is not thepreferred embodiment. The outside mounting of the socket has theadvantage of enabling the receptacles to be stacked more easily insideone another. If this modification were made, a similar socket 640 shouldalso be provided on the opposite inside wall of the receptacle 74 in adiametrically opposed position.

[0114]FIG. 36 illustrates the position of the horizontal leg of thebracket 616 after it has been shifted from a generally centrallyextending position to an outwardly extending position 616 a. In thiscase the socket 672 is a separate piece, e.g. a piece formed from aninjection molded plastic that is added to the receptacle 74 andcomprises part of a kit that a fisherman can mount on any suitablereceptacle such as a fishing tackle box or pail. The socket 672 has agenerally trough-shaped center section that acts as a socket opening toreceive the lower leg of a bracket 616 and a pair of laterally extendingflanges 674 and 676 which define a mounting surface that is secured tothe wall 73 of the receptacle 74 by means of removable fasteners such asscrews 678. Alternatively, the screws 678 can be replaced by anotherform of fastener such as a hot-melt bonding adhesive if desired. Thebracket is secured in place by a set screw 680 that extends through avertical slot 682 and is screw-threaded into the bracket 616. By using asocket such as the socket 672, any commercially available pail that ison hand can be used to support a pair of brackets 616. The attachmentkit comprising the attachable socket 672 can also be used in any fishingtackle box and is transferable to any commercially available pail. Thesocket 672 can be formed from metal or plastic such as nylon or highdensity polyethylene.

[0115] Refer now to FIG. 37 which shows a receptacle 74, namely aplastic pail having a pair of sockets including socket 628 on theoutside surface adjacent an upper edge of the receptacle 74 and a secondsocket 640 on an inside surface of the receptacle 74 with a verticalsocket opening 642 for receiving the vertical leg of the bracket 616 onthe left side of the figure. The bracket 616, when positioned to extendcentrally as shown, can be used to support various fishing articles. Abase member 644 is affixed to the bracket 616 by means of a screw 646and includes an opening 652 for receiving an adapter 654 that is used tohold various articles such as a spotlight 656 or a rod holster 100 forsupporting a fishing rod 660. Either of the latter two items can beinserted into an opening at the top of the adapter 654 and held in placeby means of a set screw 658. The base member 644 has a pair ofhorizontally extending slots 648 and 650 for receiving one end 22 a of areel supporting arm 22 with a fishing reel 28 rotatably mounted at itsouter end. The bracket at 616 b, which in this case extends laterallyfrom the receptacle 74, can also be used to support various fishingaccessories such as a depth finder or underwater camera 661 either ofwhich is attached to the bracket 616 b by means of an upwardly extendingmounting screw 662. FIG. 37 illustrates the versatility of the inventionand demonstrates how the brackets 616 and 616 b can be used in variouspositions to support a variety of fishing attachments or accessories.While the receptacle 74 has been shown as a pail by way of example, thepresent invention enables the same fishing attachments and accessoriesshown in FIG. 37 to be mounted on the tackle box 303 of FIG. 32.

[0116] Refer now to FIG. 38 which illustrates another way in which theinvention can be used. In this figure, a single bracket 616 is mountedas shown in the external socket 628 with the horizontal leg extendingcentrally. An adapter 682 is secured to the upper surface of the bracket616 by means of a locking screw 684. Connected to the adapter 682 is avertically disposed tube 686 which has mounted on it a tray 690 that issecured in place by means of a threaded collar 692 and circularretaining wedge 694 to the tube 686. The tray 690 can becompartmentalized so as to have several circumferentially distributedchambers for holding different items of fishing tackle, bait or thelike. Also mounted on the tube 686 near its upper end is a radiotransmitter or other signaling device 696. At the upper end of the tube686 is mounted a flanged bracket 698 to which is secured a second tray700 by means of a pair of screws 702. The trays 690 and 700 can be usedfor holding fishing tackle but can act as a table for supporting variousother personal items such as beverages and the like. The tray 700 can,if desired, be constructed and arranged so as to fit the top of the pail74 to serve as a cover when removed from the bracket 698. When placed onthe pail 74, the tray 700 will also serve as a seat for the fisherman,with or without addition of a cushion (not shown). An opening 698 a isprovided at the center of the bracket 698 for supporting other itemssuch as a fishing rod holster 100 having a post 100 a that extends intothe opening 698 a.

[0117] The sizes of the sockets on the fishing tackle box 303 and pail74 are identical so that the brackets 616 can be used interchangeably oneither of the receptacles. When not in use, they can be storedconveniently inside the pail 74 or tackle box 303.

[0118] While certain fishing attachments have been shown in FIGS. 37 and38, the versatility of the invention enables it to be used with avariety of other attachments, such as various kinds of lights includingtrouble lights, candles or lamps, other forms of rod holders, as well astransducers for depth finders and alarms for indicating a fish on theline.

[0119] Refer now especially to FIGS. 39-41 and 44. Shown in the figuresis a tackle box 300 having a hinged cover 302 and side wall, 604, endwall 602, a carrying handle 304 and an upper open wide mouth 606 asdescribed herein above. The present invention provides a fishingapparatus that is capable of being supported in several differentlocations on the tackle box 300 or on other supporting articles such asa pail or if desired on the wall of a fish house used for ice fishing.The fishing apparatus includes a reel 710 that is mounted for rotationon a pivot 712 at the end of a supporting arm 714 which is itselfconnected to a bracket 716 by means of a pivot 718 having a releasablelock that is incorporated into the pivot as will be described in moredetail in connection with FIG. 42. The releasable locking pivot 718enables the arm 714 to be pivoted up or down and releasably held in anyone of several selected positions e.g. raised to an angle of say 45degrees above the horizontal as shown at 720 in FIG. 39, lowered to ahorizontal position (not shown) or lowered further to a verticaldownwardly extending position as shown in solid lines in FIG. 39.Secured to the bracket 716 e.g. on the right side thereof is a radiotransmitter 722 of the type described above for transmitting a signalespecially a coded digital radio signal to a receiver carried by thefisherman to indicate a strike. The transmitter can be provided with anon-off switch 724 as well as a lamp such as an LED and beeper indicatedat 726 which will alert the fisherman in the event he is within site ofthe transmitter 722. An accessory jack (not shown) can also be providedon the transmitter 722 for connecting other sensors or for providingpower to related equipment such as underwater camera 759 (FIG. 39). Asshown in FIG. 40, electrical conductors 728 extend from the transmitter722 to a sensor 730 carried by the arm 714 in proximity to the peripheryof the reel 710 which carries an actuator such as a magnet 732 fortriggering the sensor 730 each time the real 710 rotates. The sensor 730can be for example a reed switch or a hall effect switch of suitableknown construction. The transmitter 722 can be provided with LED lightsand/or an accessory jack 812 for connecting a supplemental devices tothe transmitter 722 if desired. The bracket 716 is optionally providedwith a strike indicator such as a pop-up brightly colored float which isenclosed within a transparent tube or an electric lamp such as a LED(not shown) to indicate the presence of a strike on the line. The arms806 and 808 can if desired be provided with inch markers to serve as aruler for measuring fish. Refer now to FIGS. 40 and 41 which illustratethe reel support bracket 716 in more detail. As shown in the figures thebracket 716 is in this case the generally horizontally disposed barshaped member having the pivot 718 at its free end and a couplingelement, in this case a dovetail shaped horizontally disposed end pices734 which is adapted to be connected to one of supports 736 or 738 i.e.in multiple locations on the tackle box 300. The support 736 can beintegral with the tackle box or connected by screws or other fastenersto the tackle box if desired and is provided with a cooperating couplingmember in this case a dovetail shaped socket 740 which is sized andconfigured to receive the dovetail 724. The tackle box 300 is alsopreferably provided with a carrying strap 438 as described above whichcan be formed from leather plastic webbing. The carrying strap for 438can be suitably connected to the tackle box 300 as desired but ispreferably mounted as shown in FIG. 39 by means of a metal connector ateach end that is locked or otherwise held in a vertical slot in thesupport 736 where as otherwise secured to the support 736 e.g. by meansof the removable fasteners such as screws or a snap connector of knownconstruction(not shown). The pivot 718 can be parallel with the dovetail734 as shown in FIGS. 40 and 41 or if desired, the bracket can beconstructed as shown at 744 at the left in FIG. 39 so that the pivot 718extends laterally perpendicular to the dovetail 734 allowing the arm 714to be raised or lowed in a plane parallel to the sidewall 604 of thetoolbox 300 to provide for the fisherman a variety of differentpossibilities for positioning the reel 710 to thereby furnish muchgreater flexibility than has been heretofore been possible. Thus, thefisherman can easily raise the bracket 716 from the position as shown inFIGS. 40 and 41 in the endwall 602 insert the coupling member 734 intothe cooperating coupling member or socket 740 of the support 738 on thesidewall 604 as shown at the left in FIG. 39 when desired.

[0120] Refer now to FIG. 39A which illustrates in another way ofmounting the bracket 716 on the fishing tackle box 300. In this case, asupport 750 which can be formed from metal or plastic and is generallysimilar in outline to the support 736 has a vertically disposed pivotpin 752. The bracket 716 is provided with a vertically disposed borewhich is pivotally mounted on the pin 752 so as to support the bracket716 for pivotal movement about a vertical axis at the center of the pin752. Other forms of connectors for supporting the bracket 716 on thefishing tackle box 300 will be apparent to those skilled in the art oncethe principals described herein are understood.

[0121] Pivotally secured to the free end of the arm 714 by means of apivot 754 (FIGS. 39, 39A and 40) is a fishing line guide 756 in the formof an L-shaped arm having a horizontal portion 758 with an opening forguiding the fishing line 761. The pivot 754 is preferably springtensioned so that the guide 756 is frictionally retained in any positionin which it is placed. Any suitable frictional pivot or detent assemblyknown in the art can be used for enabling the fishing line guide 756 tobe held in a position selected by the fisherman.

[0122] Refer now to FIG. 42 which illustrates the releasable lock of thebearing 718 in more detail. As shown in the figure, the bracket 716 isprovided with a plurality of radially extending circumferencally spacedribs 760 around a central stud 762 which forms the center of thebearing. The arm 714 is provided with an annutar projection 764 that hasa plurality of radially extending circumferencally spaced apart groovesor slots 766 that cooperate with the ribs 760 for holding the arm 714 inany selected position about the center of bearing 718. An opening 768 atthe center of the projection 764 fits over the stud 762. The arm 714 isspring loaded so as to be yieldably pressed towards the held bracket 716by means of a suitable resilient member such as a wave washer 770 whichis held in place by means of a nut (not shown) or an internally toothedretaining ring 772 which is forced on to the stud 762 over the wavewasher 770 to yieldably force the grooves 766 into contact with the ribs760.

[0123] Refer now to FIG. 44 wherein the same numerals refer tocorresponding parts already described. In this embodiment, the support736 is secured to the wall 780 of a fish house used for ice fishing. Thebrackets 716, arm 714 and reel 710 as well as the guide 756 are the sameas shown above. In this case, the cooperating coupling members namelythe dovetail 734 and socket 740 are used to mount the arm and reelinside the fish house by connecting it to a support 736 that is either apart of the fish house or is attached to it by means of screws or otherfasteners. Whenever desired, the fisherman can remove the bracket 716from the socket 740 and place it on a different base such as the fishingtackle box 300.

[0124] Refer now to FIG. 45 which shows how the reel support armassembly can be mounted on a plastic pail 782. In this case, the support736 is suitably supported on the outside wall of the pail 782. Thebracket is the same as shown in 744 and FIG. 39 with the bearing 718 atits center. The dovetail 734 is slid into the socket 740 as describedabove when the pail 782 is to be used for supporting the reel supportarm assembly 714 and reel. The releasably locking bearing 718 functionsas described above for holding the arm 714 in any selected position,e.g. laterally, upwardly or extending downwardly.

[0125] Refer now to FIGS. 46 and 47 wherein the same numerals refer tocorresponding parts already described. In this embodiment, the bracket726 is provided with a rectangular opening 800 into which a rectangularrod 802 is placed during use for suspending the bracket 726 over an icehole 804 with the transmitter 722 just above the surface of the water.The rectangular rod 802 is part of a support assembly comprising a pairof arms 806 and 808 hinged to the square rod 802 by means of a pivot 810so that the assembly can be reduced in size by placing the arms 806 and806 to a collapsed position adjacent the rod 802 when not in use. Toplace the reel support assembly including the arm 714 and reel 710 inuse, the fisherman simply pivots the arms 806 and 808 to the positionshown, next slides the square rod 802 through the square opening 800 inthe bracket 726, rotates the arm 714 to the desired downwardly extendingposition shown in FIG. 47 and then rests the support assembly on the iceso that the reel 710 is submerged below the ice hole 804 with thebracket 726 suspended just above the ice hole 804. The bracket 726 inthis case needs no dovetail 734, and is therefore omitted.

[0126] Refer now to FIG. 43 wherein the same numerals refer tocorresponding parts already described. In this embodiment the bracket744 is the same as that shows on the left side of FIG. 39. The dovetail734 is slideably mounted in a socket 740 the support 736 on thesidewalls 604 of the tackle box 300. In this case however, thereleaseably locking bearing pivot 718 is used to support an accessoryholder that has a hallow tubular portion 790 within an open upper end792 for receiving accessories such as a fishing rod 794 or otherarticles that can be used for fishing and/or hunting and/or fishing suchas spotting scopes for hunting, lamps for illumination, or huntingrifles, trays for holding fishing lures and like equipment. While theaccessory holder 790 is shown with a right angle bend it can if desiredbe made straight with no bend as shown in 796 in dashed lines.

[0127] Many variations of the present invention within the scope of theappended claims will be apparent skilled in the art once the principlesdescribed herein are understood.

What is claimed is:
 1. Fishing apparatus suited for being supported on afishing tackle box pail or other selected sporting article comprising, asupport arm, a fishing reel rotatably mounted at the free end of thesupport arm, a mounting bracket, a pivot connected between a proximalend of the support arm and the mounting bracket, said pivot including areleasable lock for holding the reel support arm in any of a pluralityof selected positions so that the arm can be raised, extendedhorizontally or lowered to a downwardly extending position on thebracket and releasably held in any of said positions, a support member,a connector between the support member and the bracket and said bracketincluding a coupling member for connecting the bracket to one of saidsupporting articles.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the connectorcomprises a sliding connection wherein the bracket is adapted to slidevertically onto said support member for being suspended thereform. 3.The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the sliding connection comprises apivot pin extending from the support member.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2wherein the support member includes an opening and the bracket includesan end portion adapted to be connected to the support member adjacentthe opening.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the sporting articlecomprises a tackle box having a plurality of said support membersthereon for mounting the bracket thereupon in different locations on thetackle box.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the pivot between thesupport arm and bracket includes a plurality of radially extendinginterfitting grooves and ridges surrounding the axis of the pivot and aresilient member for yieldably biasing the ridges into engagement withthe grooves where thereby retaining the arm in any of said selectedpositions about said pivot.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein thesupport member is connected to a fishing tackle box, a verticallydisposed pin extends from the support member and the bracket ispivotally mounted upon the pin whereby the bracket can be articulatedabout a vertical axis at the center of the pin and the arm can be raisedand lowered to selected positions about said pivot between the bracketand the arm.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bracket issuspended from a support assembly, said support assembly comprises atleast one arm that is removably connectable to the bracket for holdingthe bracket within an ice hole.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein thesupport assembly comprises a plurality of arms connected by a pivot andadapted to extend from said pivot radially for suspending the bracket,the arm and reel so as to extend downwardly through the ice hole.
 10. Afishing apparatus for supporting a fishing rod and reel from areceptacle having sidewalls and an upper open wide mouth said apparatuscomprising, a support member on the side wall of the receptacle, abracket removeably mounted on the support member, an arm pivotallyconnected to the bracket, a releasable lock as part of the pivot forreleasably supporting the arm in any of the plurality of selectedpositions about the axis of said pivot, said arm having a holder thereonfor supporting a sporting article to hold the sporting article in avertical position or a selected angle of inclination.
 11. The apparatusof claim 10 wherein the arm includes a hollow tubular portion that isopen at a free end thereof for receiving the handle of a fishing rod.12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the pivot between the support armand bracket comprises a plurality of radially extending interfittinggrooves and ridges surrounding the axis of the pivot and a resilientmember for yieldably biasing the ridges into engagement with the groovesto thereby retain the arm in any of a plurality of selected positionsabout said pivot.